Box Score KINGSTON, R.I. - The Patriots women's basketball topped the Rhode Island Rams on Sunday in a nationally televised matchup. Despite a late push from the Rams, the Patriots prevailed, 71-65.
The Patriots started slow in the first quarter, scoring just seven points on 19% shooting. But in the second quarter, the Patriots came alive. Junior
Zahirah Walton scored 16 points in the second quarter, and the Green & Gold took the lead with 3:06 left in the quarter.
In the third quarter, sophomore
Kennedy Harris found her stride, scoring 10 of her eventual 18 points. When asked about it after the game, she said her high scoring third quarter came from having more gaps available to her. Rhode Island's defense shifted to cover Walton after her stellar first half, which let Harris have more room to create.
George Mason entered the fourth quarter with a 14-point lead, but that didn't last long. After a layup from senior
Paula Suárez with 6:23 left in the game, the Patriots went on a six-minute scoring drought, allowing the Rams to come within one point.
The Patriots had not shot well from the free throw line in this game, but they made them when it mattered. Suárez hit one, then missed the second but sophomore
Louis Volker pulled down a key rebound to keep the ball in the possession of the Patriots. Another two free throws from Suárez and two from Harris finally put the game out of reach, moving the Patriots to 13-3, 3-2 in A-10 play.
PATRIOT POINTS
- Junior Zahirah Walton finished with 22 points, shooting at a 57% clip, and adding seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks
- Sophomore Kennedy Harris tallied 18 points, shooting at a 50% clip, and adding five rebounds
- Senior Paula Suárez scored 19 points at a 50% clip, while adding 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals
- The Patriots turned the ball over just eight times, while forcing the Rams to turn it over 13 times
UP NEXT
The Patriots will return home on Wednesday, Jan. 15 to take on the Loyola Chicago Ramblers. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at EagleBank Arena with broadcast available on ESPN+ and radio on GoMason Digital.
